New Battery-Equipped MOGA Hero Power Controllers Up for Pre-Order

The new MOGA Hero Power and MOGA Pro Power controllers, two devices which should bring the user experience of gaming on Android devices even closer to that of a full-fledged mobile gaming consoles, are now available for pre-order on Amazon.

The first one, dubbed the MOGA Hero Power allows users to snap their Android device into a small holder and make use of the device’s spacious controller surface. Available buttons include two small thumb sticks, one directional-pad, two trigger buttons and four lettered buttons on the device’s right surface. While the device might look very similar to the controller’s older versions, it’s the new internal battery that’ll likely have Android gamers rejoicing.

Users can charge their device while playing their favorite games using an included Boost charging cable. Pre-orders start at $59.99. While that is a bit pricey for a smartphone accessory, it is in line with what an individual controller for the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 would costs users today.

For those who need even more power, the Moga Pro Power includes the same button setup as its lower-cost sibling, though it extends the user’s playtime with a 2200 mAh battery instead of the 1800 mAh battery that is included in the Power Hero. Instead of the more rounded shape of the Hero Power, this controller has also been restyled to give it the same controller profile as an Xbox 360 controller too. This controller also includes a tablet stand to boost the user’s experience beyond smartphones. The MOGA Pro Power is available for pre-order for $79.99.

MOGA’s Pro Power controller includes a built-in battery for charging Android devices.

Both controllers are showing an expected ship-date of November 14th. Each is also compatible with devices running Android 2.3 or above, so those playing the latest Android games from the Google Play Store shouldn’t have to worry about compatibility with their fairly modern Android device.

One thing they will have to worry about is game compatibility. Game developers have to program their titles to work with any MOGA controller. Those looking to pick one up should check the company’s website for a list of compatible games before pre-ordering.

Although mobile gamers have had access to joysticks and physical buttons for years, smartphone gamers have only recently gotten access to the same types of controls. With physical controls, smartphone game developers could better bridge the gap between the depth and play mechanics of their games and those of titles created for the Nintendo 2DS and PlayStation Vita.